U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Wildlife
Inspector
Stationed at the
Nation’s major
international airports,
ocean ports, and border
crossings, wildlife
inspectors monitor an
annual trade worth
more than $1.4 billion.
They stop illegal
shipments, intercept
smuggled wildlife and
wildlife products, and
help the United States
fulfill its commitment
to global wildlife
conservation.
Wildlife inspectors of
the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service are
the Nation’s front-line
defense against the
illegal wildlife trade—
a criminal enterprise
that threatens
species worldwide.
These professional
import-export control
officers ensure that
wildlife shipments
comply with U.S. and
international wildlife
protection laws.
Inspectors clear legal imports and
exports, and stop shipments that
violate the law. They make sure that
wildlife imports and exports are
accompanied by the required permits
and licenses, and verify that the
contents of shipments match the
items listed on declaration forms.
They pay special attention to live
wildlife, checking to see that animals
in trade are treated humanely.
Although inspectors spend most of
their time processing commercial
cargo shipments, they also keep tabs
on international passenger traffic.
Unwary travelers all too often
return from abroad with illegal
wildlife souvenirs. Many smuggling
rings use human couriers; inspectors
find protected animals hidden in
clothing and stuffed in suitcases
and handbags.
Where do inspectors work?
By law, most commercial wildlife
shipments come through 14
“designated ports”—Anchorage,
Alaska; Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore,
Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts;
Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas;
Honolulu, Hawaii; Los Angeles,
California; Miami, Florida; New
Orleans, Louisiana; New York,
New York/Newark, New Jersey;
Portland, Oregon; San Francisco,
California; and Seattle, Washington.
The Service operates wildlife
inspection offices in these cities.
Inspectors also staff 11 locations
along the Mexican and Canadian
borders and several additional
ports that handle specific types
of wildlife traffic.
What do inspectors do?
The United States is one of
the world’s largest markets for
wildlife and wildlife products.
High-volume “live” traffic includes
reptiles, tropical fish, and primates.
Manufactured products (such as
boots, shoes, purses, jewelry, caviar,
and meats) and less “processed”
wildlife items (such as hunting
trophies, feathers, furs, skins, raw
coral, and shells) are also common.
Wildlife inspectors must understand
and enforce a range of U.S. and
international laws, regulations,
and treaties that protect wildlife
and limit commercial traffic in
endangered animals and plants.
They must be able to identify
thousands of different species,
both live and as parts or products.
Wildlife inspectors work closely
with Service special agents and
counterparts from the U.S. Customs
Service and other Federal agencies
that police international trade.
They staff special enforcement
task forces that conduct inspection
blitzes at international mail
processing facilities or target specific
enforcement problems, such as the
import and sale of medicinal products
made from endangered species.
Outreach is also an important part
of the job. Inspectors meet with
customs brokers, trade associations,
international travelers, and hunters
going abroad to explain wildlife
import/export rules and regulations.
They are popular guest speakers at
schools, nature centers, community
conservation programs, and
environmental fairs.
How do I become a wildlife
inspector?
New inspectors are recruited locally
when vacancies occur. Openings are
announced by regional Service
personnel offices. Inspectors typically
join the Service at the GS-5, 7, or 9
level, depending on their education
and experience. Knowledge of wildlife
taxonomy and zoology is especially
helpful. A background in criminal
justice, communication skills, and
computer literacy are also useful.
Are there any special requirements?
Wildlife inspectors work in airport
cargo facilities, passenger terminals,
dock warehouses, and border check
stations, often under adverse noise
and weather conditions. They must
be comfortable handling live animals
and fit enough to lift heavy cartons
and cases. Wildlife inspectors
wear uniforms while on duty. Some
inspections require protective
clothing and special safety equipment.
Because international trade is an
around-the-clock business, inspectors
sometimes work on weekends or
at night. They must have a valid
state driver’s license and be able to
operate a government-owned car,
van, or pickup truck.
What benefits do inspectors earn?
Wildlife inspectors enjoy all the
benefits of Federal employment,
including a generous retirement
plan with substantial investment
opportunities. Inspectors earn 13 to
26 days of annual leave each year
depending on how long they have
been employed. Benefits also include
13 days of paid sick leave per year;
basic life insurance and low-cost
options for additional coverage; a
free yearly physical examination;
and opportunities to participate in a
variety of reasonably priced health
insurance plans.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
is an equal opportunity employer.
All job candidates receive
consideration without regard to
race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, age, political affiliation, or
any other nonmerit factor.
What opportunities exist for training
and career advancement?
All new wildlife inspectors complete
a four-week “basic training” program
at the Federal Law Enforcement
Training Center in Glynco, Georgia,
and receive on-the-job instruction
and guidance. Annual “in service”
training programs give seasoned
inspectors a chance to enhance job
skills and review regulatory and
procedural changes.
Career ladders for wildlife
inspectors in the field vary depending
on the individual’s duty station
and responsibilities. Supervisory
positions are available at some ports.
Law enforcement headquarters
staff include senior wildlife inspectors
who advise Service management
on wildlife inspection policies and
issues. Inspectors have opportunities
to work on special enforcement
task forces and complete
short-term assignments in the
headquarters office.
CO, KS, MT, NE,
ND, SD, UT, WY
AK
Headquarters
Assistant Regional Director for
Law Enforcement, Region 6
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 25486-DFC
Denver, Colorado 80225
Telephone: 303/236 7540
Assistant Regional Director for
Law Enforcement, Region 7
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
1011 E. Tudor Road, Suite 155
Anchorage, Alaska 99503-6199
Telephone: 907/786 3311
Office of Law Enforcement
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 3247
Arlington, Virginia 22203-3247
Telephone: 703/358 1949
For More Information
To learn more about wildlife
inspectors and Federal wildlife law
enforcement, “visit” the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service via the World Wide
Web (http://www.fws.gov) or write to
the Assistant Regional Director for
Law Enforcement for your state.
Assistant Regional Director for
Law Enforcement, Region 1
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
911 N.E. 11th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97232
Telephone: 503/231 6125
Assistant Regional Director for
Law Enforcement, Region 2
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 329
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103
Telephone: 505/248 7889
Assistant Regional Director for
Law Enforcement, Region 3
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 45, Federal Building
Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111
Telephone: 612/713 5320
Assistant Regional Director for
Law Enforcement, Region 4
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 49226
Atlanta, Georgia 30359
Telephone: 404/679 7057
Assistant Regional Director for
Law Enforcement, Region 5
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
300 Westgate Center Drive
Hadley, Massachusetts 01035
Telephone: 413/253 8274
States/Territories
CA, HI, ID, NV,
OR, WA, GU,
AS, CM
AZ, NM, OK, TX
IL, IN, IA, MI,
MN, MO, OH,
WI
AL, AR, FL, GA,
KY, LA, MS, NC,
SC, TN, PR, VI
CT, DE, DC, ME,
MD, MA, NH,
NJ, NY, PA, RI,
VT, VA, WV
Photos: USFWS
Wildlife Inspection Ports
• Designated Ports
• Border, Special and Other Ports
(Not shown: Agana, Guam)
New Mexico
Delaware
Maryland
Texas
Oklahoma
Kansas
Nebraska
South Dakota
Montana North Dakota
Wyoming
Colorado
Utah
Idaho
Arizona
Nevada
Alaska
Hawaii
Puerto Rico
Washington
California
Oregon
Atlanta
Vermont
New
Hampshire
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Connecticut
Maine
New York
Pennsylvania
Virginia
West
Virginia
Michigan
Ohio
Illinois Indiana
Missouri
Iowa
Minnesota
Wisconsin
New Jersey
Florida
Kentucky
North Carolina
Tennessee
South Carolina
Alabama
Mississippi Arkansas
Louisiana
Georgia
¥
New York/Newark
¥
Dallas/Ft.Worth
¥
¥ Brownsville
Houston ¥
Denver
¥
Detroit ¥
Dunseith
¥
Minneapolis/
St. Paul
¥
Great Falls
¥
Nogales
¥
Laredo
¥
San Juan
¥
Tampa
¥
San
¥ Diego
¥ El Paso
Miami ¥
New
Orleans ¥
¥ Los Angeles
Portland
¥
Seattle
¥
Anchorage
¥
Blaine
¥
San
Francisco
¥
Honolulu¥
Baltimore
Buffalo
¥
Boston ¥
Chicago¥
¥
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
Region 5
Region 6
Region 7
June 2002

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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Wildlife
Inspector
Stationed at the
Nation’s major
international airports,
ocean ports, and border
crossings, wildlife
inspectors monitor an
annual trade worth
more than $1.4 billion.
They stop illegal
shipments, intercept
smuggled wildlife and
wildlife products, and
help the United States
fulfill its commitment
to global wildlife
conservation.
Wildlife inspectors of
the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service are
the Nation’s front-line
defense against the
illegal wildlife trade—
a criminal enterprise
that threatens
species worldwide.
These professional
import-export control
officers ensure that
wildlife shipments
comply with U.S. and
international wildlife
protection laws.
Inspectors clear legal imports and
exports, and stop shipments that
violate the law. They make sure that
wildlife imports and exports are
accompanied by the required permits
and licenses, and verify that the
contents of shipments match the
items listed on declaration forms.
They pay special attention to live
wildlife, checking to see that animals
in trade are treated humanely.
Although inspectors spend most of
their time processing commercial
cargo shipments, they also keep tabs
on international passenger traffic.
Unwary travelers all too often
return from abroad with illegal
wildlife souvenirs. Many smuggling
rings use human couriers; inspectors
find protected animals hidden in
clothing and stuffed in suitcases
and handbags.
Where do inspectors work?
By law, most commercial wildlife
shipments come through 14
“designated ports”—Anchorage,
Alaska; Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore,
Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts;
Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas;
Honolulu, Hawaii; Los Angeles,
California; Miami, Florida; New
Orleans, Louisiana; New York,
New York/Newark, New Jersey;
Portland, Oregon; San Francisco,
California; and Seattle, Washington.
The Service operates wildlife
inspection offices in these cities.
Inspectors also staff 11 locations
along the Mexican and Canadian
borders and several additional
ports that handle specific types
of wildlife traffic.
What do inspectors do?
The United States is one of
the world’s largest markets for
wildlife and wildlife products.
High-volume “live” traffic includes
reptiles, tropical fish, and primates.
Manufactured products (such as
boots, shoes, purses, jewelry, caviar,
and meats) and less “processed”
wildlife items (such as hunting
trophies, feathers, furs, skins, raw
coral, and shells) are also common.
Wildlife inspectors must understand
and enforce a range of U.S. and
international laws, regulations,
and treaties that protect wildlife
and limit commercial traffic in
endangered animals and plants.
They must be able to identify
thousands of different species,
both live and as parts or products.
Wildlife inspectors work closely
with Service special agents and
counterparts from the U.S. Customs
Service and other Federal agencies
that police international trade.
They staff special enforcement
task forces that conduct inspection
blitzes at international mail
processing facilities or target specific
enforcement problems, such as the
import and sale of medicinal products
made from endangered species.
Outreach is also an important part
of the job. Inspectors meet with
customs brokers, trade associations,
international travelers, and hunters
going abroad to explain wildlife
import/export rules and regulations.
They are popular guest speakers at
schools, nature centers, community
conservation programs, and
environmental fairs.
How do I become a wildlife
inspector?
New inspectors are recruited locally
when vacancies occur. Openings are
announced by regional Service
personnel offices. Inspectors typically
join the Service at the GS-5, 7, or 9
level, depending on their education
and experience. Knowledge of wildlife
taxonomy and zoology is especially
helpful. A background in criminal
justice, communication skills, and
computer literacy are also useful.
Are there any special requirements?
Wildlife inspectors work in airport
cargo facilities, passenger terminals,
dock warehouses, and border check
stations, often under adverse noise
and weather conditions. They must
be comfortable handling live animals
and fit enough to lift heavy cartons
and cases. Wildlife inspectors
wear uniforms while on duty. Some
inspections require protective
clothing and special safety equipment.
Because international trade is an
around-the-clock business, inspectors
sometimes work on weekends or
at night. They must have a valid
state driver’s license and be able to
operate a government-owned car,
van, or pickup truck.
What benefits do inspectors earn?
Wildlife inspectors enjoy all the
benefits of Federal employment,
including a generous retirement
plan with substantial investment
opportunities. Inspectors earn 13 to
26 days of annual leave each year
depending on how long they have
been employed. Benefits also include
13 days of paid sick leave per year;
basic life insurance and low-cost
options for additional coverage; a
free yearly physical examination;
and opportunities to participate in a
variety of reasonably priced health
insurance plans.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
is an equal opportunity employer.
All job candidates receive
consideration without regard to
race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, age, political affiliation, or
any other nonmerit factor.
What opportunities exist for training
and career advancement?
All new wildlife inspectors complete
a four-week “basic training” program
at the Federal Law Enforcement
Training Center in Glynco, Georgia,
and receive on-the-job instruction
and guidance. Annual “in service”
training programs give seasoned
inspectors a chance to enhance job
skills and review regulatory and
procedural changes.
Career ladders for wildlife
inspectors in the field vary depending
on the individual’s duty station
and responsibilities. Supervisory
positions are available at some ports.
Law enforcement headquarters
staff include senior wildlife inspectors
who advise Service management
on wildlife inspection policies and
issues. Inspectors have opportunities
to work on special enforcement
task forces and complete
short-term assignments in the
headquarters office.
CO, KS, MT, NE,
ND, SD, UT, WY
AK
Headquarters
Assistant Regional Director for
Law Enforcement, Region 6
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 25486-DFC
Denver, Colorado 80225
Telephone: 303/236 7540
Assistant Regional Director for
Law Enforcement, Region 7
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
1011 E. Tudor Road, Suite 155
Anchorage, Alaska 99503-6199
Telephone: 907/786 3311
Office of Law Enforcement
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 3247
Arlington, Virginia 22203-3247
Telephone: 703/358 1949
For More Information
To learn more about wildlife
inspectors and Federal wildlife law
enforcement, “visit” the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service via the World Wide
Web (http://www.fws.gov) or write to
the Assistant Regional Director for
Law Enforcement for your state.
Assistant Regional Director for
Law Enforcement, Region 1
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
911 N.E. 11th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97232
Telephone: 503/231 6125
Assistant Regional Director for
Law Enforcement, Region 2
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 329
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103
Telephone: 505/248 7889
Assistant Regional Director for
Law Enforcement, Region 3
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 45, Federal Building
Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111
Telephone: 612/713 5320
Assistant Regional Director for
Law Enforcement, Region 4
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 49226
Atlanta, Georgia 30359
Telephone: 404/679 7057
Assistant Regional Director for
Law Enforcement, Region 5
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
300 Westgate Center Drive
Hadley, Massachusetts 01035
Telephone: 413/253 8274
States/Territories
CA, HI, ID, NV,
OR, WA, GU,
AS, CM
AZ, NM, OK, TX
IL, IN, IA, MI,
MN, MO, OH,
WI
AL, AR, FL, GA,
KY, LA, MS, NC,
SC, TN, PR, VI
CT, DE, DC, ME,
MD, MA, NH,
NJ, NY, PA, RI,
VT, VA, WV
Photos: USFWS
Wildlife Inspection Ports
• Designated Ports
• Border, Special and Other Ports
(Not shown: Agana, Guam)
New Mexico
Delaware
Maryland
Texas
Oklahoma
Kansas
Nebraska
South Dakota
Montana North Dakota
Wyoming
Colorado
Utah
Idaho
Arizona
Nevada
Alaska
Hawaii
Puerto Rico
Washington
California
Oregon
Atlanta
Vermont
New
Hampshire
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Connecticut
Maine
New York
Pennsylvania
Virginia
West
Virginia
Michigan
Ohio
Illinois Indiana
Missouri
Iowa
Minnesota
Wisconsin
New Jersey
Florida
Kentucky
North Carolina
Tennessee
South Carolina
Alabama
Mississippi Arkansas
Louisiana
Georgia
¥
New York/Newark
¥
Dallas/Ft.Worth
¥
¥ Brownsville
Houston ¥
Denver
¥
Detroit ¥
Dunseith
¥
Minneapolis/
St. Paul
¥
Great Falls
¥
Nogales
¥
Laredo
¥
San Juan
¥
Tampa
¥
San
¥ Diego
¥ El Paso
Miami ¥
New
Orleans ¥
¥ Los Angeles
Portland
¥
Seattle
¥
Anchorage
¥
Blaine
¥
San
Francisco
¥
Honolulu¥
Baltimore
Buffalo
¥
Boston ¥
Chicago¥
¥
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
Region 5
Region 6
Region 7
June 2002